Easy, Quick Homemade Italian Marinara Sauce

A quick marinara sauce that tastes good doesn't have to be poured from a can. In fact, you'll find this version to be much better than most canned varieties! A few basic ingredients and steps, and you'll have a go-to sauce recipe on hand at all times.

Ingredients:

- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, or 2 medium cloves minced
- 24 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon fresh basil leaves, or 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Saute the garlic and olive oil on low heat. Brown the minced garlic until lightly browned.

2. Drain the diced tomatoes and add to the olive oil and garlic mixture. Heat over low. Using a fork, crush the tomatoes against the side of the pan. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to pulverize the tomatoes. Crush the tomatoes until slightly crushed, and the tomatoes are no longer in large chunks.

3. Continue to simmer the tomatoes for approximately 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the basil in the last five minutes. Serve immediately over pasta, bread, or cool and freeze for use later.

This version of marinara has diced peppers added for a tasty variation.